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State Parks is taking stock of and critically reexamining its past, looking specifically at contested place names, monuments, and interpretation in California’s State Park System as part of a Reexamining Our Past Initiative.

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Sutter's Fort State Historic Park

State Parks is taking stock of and critically reexamining its past, looking specifically at contested place names, monuments, and interpretation in California's State Park System as part of a Reexamining Our Past Initiative.

Data collected by the department during a brief survey of state park units in June 2020 made clear that it must act to further identify and remove residual derogatory place names; inappropriate honorifics associated with the historical legacy of some of its monuments, statues and plaques; and inadequate interpretive programs or exhibits that fall short in fully contextualizing California's history in parks. State Parks' Tribal Affairs Program will assist with the identification and redress of discriminatory names of concern to California Native American Tribal Nations.

Working with community partners and universities is fundamental to ensure that State Parks' educational programs and exhibits support public educational standards and are grounded in contemporary research methodology. As such, there will be opportunities for the public to participate in and comment on the department's efforts.

To date, the following actions have been taken under the Reexamining Our Past Initiative:

Sue-meg Point - The U.S. Board on Geographic Names, at its December 8, 2022 meeting, approved the proposal to change the name of Patrick's Point in Humboldt County to Sue-meg Point.

Renamed Patrick's Point State Park to Sue-meg State Park to honor the place name used by the Yurok people since time immemorial.

Added new interpretive signage regarding the racist legacy of some of the redwood parks' founding members that are currently honored in the parks' redwood groves.

Installed over 50 "Land Acknowledgement" signs in the North Coast Redwoods District parks.

Individuals interested in subscribing to updates on this important effort or who have a location that needs evaluation are asked to email the department at planning@parks.ca.gov.

The State Addresses Discriminatory Names and Inequities

On Sept. 25, 2020, California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, State Parks Director Armando Quintero and Department of Transportation Director Toks Omishakin announced a series of actions to identify and redress discriminatory names of features attached to the state park and transportation systems. The move comes in the wake of a national conversation about the names of geographic features and builds upon Governor Gavin Newsom's work to support equity, inclusion and accountability throughout the state to better reflect our values. These steps also dovetail with several policies advanced by Governor Gavin Newsom that seek to examine and address historic wrongs and promote access and inclusion for California Native peoples.

Additionally, Secretary Crowfoot directed the Natural Resources Agency to expand representation and increase transparency for the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names, the state committee tasked with recommending changes to geographic names in California.

Gold Miners at Spanish Flat circa 1852. Courtesy of the California History Room, California State Library, Sacramento, California.

Announcements

Relevancy and History

UC Riverside and State Parks team gathered in front of the Visitor Center showcasing the exhibit "Finding Ourselves in the Groves."

The purpose of the Relevancy and History Program is to develop and model strategies for community-engaged research; inclusive and relevant historical interpretation; and develop pathways to employment in Parks for a new generation of students who reflect the demographics (and diversity) of the state. Specifically, the program aims to enhance interpretive practices and the relevancy of California's state parks to today's students and stakeholders, residents, and visitors, and especially the most under-resourced and underrepresented community members.

In fiscal year 2022/2023 eight interagency agreements were established or maintained throughout the state to implement the program. University partners include UC Santa Barbara, UC Riverside, CSU Bakersfield, San Diego State University, CSU Northridge, CSU Fullerton, Sonoma State University, and CSU Sacramento. The Relevancy and History Program also supported the official relaunch of the Los Angeles State Historic Park Promotorx Program.

Arts in California Parks

California State Parks is initiating a new program to support Tribal Nations, artists, and communities in creating artwork that offers perspective on our past and present and helps us imagine our potential. The program will establish art installations and programming in State and local parks as catalysts for sustainable community connection, health, and well-being. The program will fund a wide range of projects and programs that bring visual, performing, literary, experiential, and other art forms to State and local parks over five years (2022-2027). State Parks projects are being initiated in 2023 and a local park grant program will launch in 2024.

Koi Nation and California State Parks Renew MOU and Rename Ridge and Trail

The Koi Nation of Northern California (Koi) and the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) recently renewed a 5-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) and renamed two park features at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park (SHP).

The MOU, originally signed in April 2017, created collaboration and cooperation for the further protection of cultural and natural resources in Anderson Marsh SHP. It was the first MOU signed between State Parks and a California Tribal Nation. Through the MOU, the Koi Nation performs regular cultural resource monitoring which is a valuable asset for State Parks in the protection of irreplaceable history and cultural resources in the park.

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Audio translation for "Mxqawlay'ba Knowin Xyoykith"

Lewis Ridge has been renamed Mxqawlay'ba Knowin Xyoykith Ridge, which translates to "the grandmothers/ancestors heal on this mountain," in Southeastern Pomo. The McVicar Trail has been renamed Dawa Qanoq'ana, which translates into "south way in front of me."

Read the full article in the Field Report section of the September 1, 2023 Weekly Digest.

Tribal Lands Acknowledgement, and Interpretation, and Exhibits

The Tribal Lands Acknowledgement, and Interpretation and Exhibits Project will fund the development of new or updated interpretive exhibits reflecting California Native American culture and heritage in numerous parks, as well as the development of land acknowledgments throughout the Park system over five years (2022-2027). To determine Tribal Nation's priorities and preferences for interpretation projects and land acknowledgments, State Parks are offering formal government-to-government consultations. By developing these new and updated projects in collaboration with Tribal Nations, State Parks seek to strengthen tribal partnerships and better connect the public with the diverse tribal histories, cultures, and contemporary experiences of California Native Americans.

African American History and Engagement

The African American History and Engagement project is a five-year collaborative effort (2022-2027) with the California African American Museum to research and recover histories, and design and implement innovative and engaging interpretive exhibits in approximately 24 State Parks. The project will also institutionalize restoration of neglected histories through interpreter training programs and archival practices. More information on the MOU and Interagency Agreement between CAAM and DPR that supports this collaboration can be found here.

New Trail in Del Norte County in Ancestral Territory of Tolowa People and Renaming of Peacock Bar at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Up-close look at the sign for the new Xaa-yuu-chit Tes-dvm Trail. Photo from: Emily Reed, Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation
The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation (Nation) and Redwood National and State Parks recently announced the completion of a new trail in Del Norte County, as well as the renaming of Peacock Bar in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

The new trail is named Xaa-yuu-chit Tes-dvm, which translates to "High-Status-Stream/River Trail." The community of Hiouchi lies within Tolowa Dee-ni' ancestral territory. The name Hiouchi is an anglicized version of the Tolowa word Xaa-yuu-chit. The trail is just under 1 mile, beginning in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and ending near the fire station in Hiouchi. Unlike other trails in Redwood and National State Parks, this trail is pet-, bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly.

Redwood National and State Parks and the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation also collaborated to rename Peacock Bar. With the support of local organizations such as True North Organizing Network, the Nation and State Parks are installing new signage to acknowledge the original Tolowa name of Peacock Bar, See-tr'ee-ghin-dvm-dvn. See-tr'ee-ghin-dvm-dvn translates to "at the stones where the trail descends downward."

Read the full article, "New Trail in Del Norte County in Ancestral Territory of Tolowa People and Renaming of Peacock Bar at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park" in the Field Report section of the November 18, 2022 Weekly Digest.

North Coast Redwoods District Completes Installation of Land Acknowledgement Signs

The North Coast Redwoods District (NCRD) recently completed the installation of over 50 "Land Acknowledgement" signs in parks across the district. The signs let visitors know the name of the people whose ancestral land they're on, as well as the Indigenous place name of the location where they're standing (where place names are available). The signs also include basketry designs provided by Tribal partners. The project aligns with the broader Reexamining Our Past Initiative, which seeks to remove derogatory and inaccurate names and materials from the State Parks system, while restoring Native names and other significant aspects of California's cultural heritage. Read the full article, "North Coast Redwoods District Completes Installation of Land Acknowledgement Signs", in the Field Report section of the November 4, 2022 Weekly Digest.
A Kumeyaay name restored is Mat Puy Nah Achhuukaayp in Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. In Kumeyaay Ipai, this name translates to "the place over there where we go to trade."
Removal of "Sq_ Word" on National Map

The United States Board on Geographic Names announced September 8, 2022, the removal from our National Map of over 600 instances of the "Sq_ Word," an offensive ethnic, racial, and sexist slur referring to Native American women. This was the culmination of an effort initiated late last year by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. State Parks' Reexamining Our Past leadership team responded to the secretary's order by creating an inventory of place names within our system, allowing timely action by district staff to identify appropriate replacement names for these features.

In all, six features were renamed within the State Park System, including four restored Native names identified through consultation between district staff and Native Tribes and organizations. Read the September 9, 2022 Weekly Digest "What's New" section for more details.

The process of Reexamining Our Past continues as State Parks works together with Tribes to remove derogatory and inaccurate names and materials from our system, while restoring Native names and other significant aspects of California's cultural heritage.

To read the U.S. Department of Interior's press release, click here.

Sue-meg State Park

The California State Park and Recreation Commission voted to rename Patrick's Point State Park to Sue-meg State Park to honor the place name used by the Yurok people since time immemorial. This is the first park name change as part of the state's Reexamining Our Past Initiative and is a momentous step to heal relationships with Native Americans and working together in recognition and honor of indigenous cultural and linguistic relationships.

Please view our press releases for more information:

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Black Miners Bar Day-Use Area

At Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, located in Sacramento County, State Parks continues to engage the local community, and an array of stakeholders, on a name change for the Black Miners Bar day-use area. State Parks' staff presented a renaming recommendation to the department director and California State Park and Recreation Commission based on an analysis of scholarly historical research along with public and stakeholder feedback. State Parks invites the public to share their thoughts, comments, or suggestions for an appropriate place name for the park's day use facilities via comment form. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov/BlackMinersBar.

The State Park and Recreation Commission held a meeting and tour on June 16-17, 2022. Visit the 2022 Meetings of the Commissionpage to access the meeting documents.

Humboldt Redwoods and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Humboldt Redwoods and Prairie Creek Redwoods state parks have added new interpretive signage regarding the racist legacy of some of the parks' founding members that are currently honored in the parks' redwood groves. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov/FoundersGrove.

A 1948 memorial honoring Madison Grant in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park has also been removed. The large stone monument was removed by an excavator during a small ceremony on June 15, 2021, attended by California State Parks and National Park Service leaders, history scholars, and representatives of the Yurok Tribe and Save the Redwoods League. The ceremony focused on both acknowledging the past while creating a more inclusive and equitable park system for the future. To learn more, read our press release.

Redwood National and State Parks

State Parks and Redwood National and State Parks in Del Norte County along with the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation (Nation) installed new land acknowledgement signs throughout the state and national park locations within the Nation's ancestral land territory. Located in high visitation areas, the nine signs are placed on existing structure to which avoids land disturbance.

State Parks sees these signs as a continued opportunity for visitors to connect with, foster appreciation for the original stewards of park lands and further elevate, honor and celebrate the Indigenous voices and stories that are rooted in the ancestral lands that the California State Park System now protect.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

State Parks is expanding its interpretation beyond what was once a narrow focus on memorializing the people and events leading up to the gold discovery and its immediate aftermath per the 1979 general plan. Today's efforts involve engaging in formal government-to-government tribal consultations, conducting archival research, and meeting with families whose history is connected to the Coloma Valley. This reflects a commitment to broadening the historical context and bringing forward those stories that were too often overlooked or marginalized in interpretation program and exhibits. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/MarshallGold .

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park (SHP) released a statement acknowledging the impact of the mission on California Native American people and their commitment to creating a more welcoming and healing space.

State Parks is actively in consultation and conversation with local Tribal Nations to update and revise historic exhibits at Santa Cruz Mission SHP.

One of these include the Virtual Bell exhibit, which was designed to help bring greater understanding to the diversity of interpretations of the El Camino Real or Missions Bells as symbols over time. In addition to online access, State Parks is developing a kiosk at Santa Cruz Mission SHP for park visitors to explore, thanks to funding by the Dolkas-Mertz Award.

Sonoma Mission State Historic Park

Sonoma Mission State Historic Park (SHP)
Sonoma State Historic Park took time to reflect on how California State Parks should acknowledge the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Sonoma Mission. Based on what we have heard from the public over the past several months, we have determined that a commemoration may not be an appropriate way to mark this anniversary. Instead, we have decided to begin a long-term effort aimed at re-examining Sonoma State Historic Park in order to identify appropriate, meaningful, and impactful ways to contextualize this part of California's history. State Parks is in active consultation and conversation with local tribes.

Sutter's Fort State Historic Park

State Parks is gathering public input on a proposal to fundamentally change the way history is interpreted at Sutter's Fort State Historic Park. With this effort, a more inclusive and historically accurate history will be shared with the thousands of school children and visitors that annually tour the National Historic Landmark site located in midtown Sacramento -- California's capital city. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov/SuttersFort

Resources

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California State Parks, State of California

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California State Parks, State of California

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We are currently developing new mission history curriculum activities for teachers and students. Please check back soon!!

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The Chumash people once numbered in the tens of thousands and lived along the coasts of California. Through centuries of hardships and abuse, the tribe has overcome all odds in order to thrive on the land of our Chumash ancestors once more.

At one time, Chumash territory encompassed 7,000 square miles that spanned from the beaches of Malibu to Paso Robles. The tribe also inhabited inland to the western edge of the San Joaquin Valley.

Utilizing resources from both the land and the sea, we called ourselves "the first people," and pointed to the Pacific Ocean as our first home. These early Chumash ancestors were hunters, gatherers, and fishermen who lived in large, dome-shaped homes that were made of willow branches.

As the Chumash culture advanced with boat-making, basketry, stone cookware, and the ability to harvest and store food, the villages became more permanent. The Chumash society became tiered and ranged from manual laborers to the skilled crafters, chiefs, and shaman priests who were also accomplished astronomers. Women could serve equally as chiefs and priests.

In the rolling hills of the coastline, our Chumash ancestors found caves to use for sacred religious ceremonies. The earliest Chumash Indians used charcoal for their drawings, but as the culture evolved, so did the cave markings - using, red, orange, and yellow pigments. These colorful yet simple paintings included human figures and animal life. Many of the caves still exist today, protected by the National Parks system, and illustrate the spiritual bond the Chumash hold with our environment.

As with most Native American tribes, the Chumash history was passed down from generation to generation through stories and legends. Many of these stories were lost when the Chumash Indian population faced the turmoil to come.

In 1769, a Spanish land expedition led by Gaspar de Portola left Baja California and reached the Santa Barbara Channel. In short order, five Spanish missions were established in Chumash territory. The Chumash population was all but decimated, due largely to the introduction of European diseases.

By 1831, the number of mission-registered Chumash numbered only 2,788, down from pre-Spanish population estimates of 22,000.

The modern-day towns of Santa Barbara, Montecito, Summerland, and Carpinteria were carved out of the old Chumash territory. After mission secularization in 1834, Mexican authorities failed to live up to their promises of distributing the remaining land among the surviving Chumash, causing further decline in the tribal population.

By 1870, the region's now dominant Anglo culture had begun to prosper economically. The Santa Barbara area established itself as a mecca for health seekers, and by the turn of the century it became a haven for wealthy tourists and movie stars. Most of the Chumash who remained in the area survived through menial work on area farms and ranches, far removed from the prestige of their ancestors.

Through the determination and hard work of Chumash survivors, the tribe was able to overcome the adversities of early modern life and rise to economic self-sufficiency. With revenue from the tribe's gaming property, the culture has been revitalized and Chumash descendants once again thrive on tribal land. Resources are devoted to education, health, and culture - ensuring a vibrant future for Chumash generations to come.

The Story of Indian Residential Schools and Forced Assimilation

Powerful Women in Chumash History

The Strength of Native Voices

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History - Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

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The Chumash people once numbered in the tens of thousands and lived along the coasts of California. Through centuries of hardships and abuse, the tribe has overcome all odds in order to thrive on the land of our Chumash ancestors once more.

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Chumash Elder Ernestine Ygnacio-De Soto shares the powerful story of six generations of her family history in California.

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REAWAKENING THE SAMALA LANGUAGE

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ Culture Department established the Language Program in 2008.  This video shows how the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash reclaimed their Samala language and how it has enhanced their community and cultural life.

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CLIP - A Linguistic Rebirth (Winter 2014/15)

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This Chumash creation story describes Limuw (Santa Cruz Island) as the birthplace of the Chumash people. Told by Julie Tumamait-Stenslie, Chumash elder.

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0:00 / 3:18•Watch full video

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Learn more about our site and find up to date information on programs and events.

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Virtual School Programs

Bring your lessons to life at California's most completely restored mission. La Purisima Mission State Historic Park is an ideal place to explore the stories and challenges of the people who lived here as well as the crafts and technologies of the mission era. Each tour is 45 minutes in length to fit into your class period. This school year we are offering guided tours, living history tours and focus tours. You are not limited to any one tour, you may choose the tour or tours that best fit your lesson plan. For all details visit the Virtual school 20/21 link.

History

Misión la Purísima Concepción de María Santísima (Mission of the Immaculate Conception of Most Holy Mary) was founded by Father Presidente Fermin de Lasuén on December 8, 1787. It was the 11th of 21 Franciscan Missions established in Alta California.

A major earthquake on December 21, 1812, destroyed many of the mission buildings. Father Mariano Payeras received permission to relocate the mission community four miles to the northeast in La Cañada de los Berros, next to El Camino Real. La Purísima Mission was officially established in its new location on April 23, 1813. Materials salvaged from the buildings destroyed by the earthquake were used to construct the new buildings, which were completed within ten years.

The end of the California missions came in 1834, when the Mexican government, which had gained independence from Spain, transferred control of the missions from the Catholic Church to civil authorities. The property passed into private ownership and the mission buildings fell into ruin. In 1933, the Union Oil Company deeded several parcels to the State of California. Under direction of the National Park Service, the Civilian Conservation Corps restored or reconstructed many of the mission's adobe buildings.

Today, La Purísima Mission State Historic Park is considered the most completely restored mission in California, with ten of the original buildings fully restored and furnished, including the church, shops, living quarters, and blacksmith shop. The mission gardens and livestock represent what would have been found at the mission during the 1820's. Special living history events are scheduled throughout the year. A visitor center features information, displays and artifacts, and a self-guided tour gives visitors the opportunity to step back in time for a glimpse of a brief, turbulent period in California's history.

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California State Parks, State of California

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Bring your lessons to life at California's most completely restored mission. La Purisima Mission State Historic Park is an ideal place to explore the stories and challenges of the people who lived here as well as the crafts and technologies of the mission era.

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Book a Virtual Field Trip at La Purisima

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Book a Virtual Field Trip at La Purisima

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We offer both virtual and in-park opportunities. Visit our PORTS website to learn more.

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Interested in scheduling anin-person field trip toLa Purísima Mission? Click here to learn more!

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Hundreds of years ago, the Chumash people built canoes, called tomols, to travel the waters off the California coast for hunting and trade. Tribal descendant Eva Pagaling was only 10 years old when she attended the historic 2001 revival of the tomol's 21 mile journey from the Ventura Coast to the Channel Islands. Now, Eva honors her sea-faring ancestors as a seat-one paddler on the annual crossing.

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Learn more about our cooperating association and how they help us tell the story of the park.

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Prelado de los Tesoros de La Purísima (Prelado) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Prelado roughly translates to "Keepers of the treasures of La Purísima." La Purísima Mission is the jewel of the California Missions and California State Parks. This precious jewel is financially supported by Prelado.

Prelado's support provides La Purísima Mission State Historic Park with animal care, money for enrichment programs, docent training, building repairs and many other aspects of operating this historic park. Prelado also plays an important role in keeping La Purísima Mission open to the public through letter writing campaigns and other park supporting events. If you would like to become a member of Prelado please contact us.

For more information about the Mission tours email lapurisimamission@gmail.com

History comes alive here at the most extensively restored mission in the state. La Purísima mission is restored to the 1820's mission era. La Purísima hosts over 200,000 visitors each year for recreation and a chance to explore California's heritage.

Founded in 1787, the La Purísima Mission land holdings once covered nearly 300,000 acres. Bordered by the Santa Maria River in the North and the Gaviota coastline in the South, the land was home to the Chumash people and Spanish settlers. The mission was best known for its hides and blankets, and at its peak two-thousand inhabitants herded as many as 24,000 cattle and sheep.

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Prelado's support provides La Purísima Mission State Historic Park with animal care, money for enrichment programs, docent training, building repairs and many other aspects of operating this historic park. Prelado also plays an important role in keeping La Purísima Mission open to the public through

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Here are some helpful tips and tricks to help you prepare for your PORTS virtual field trip.

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The Smithsonian Learning Lab is an open educational resource where educators can copy and share our lessons and resources with their classroom.

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Smithsonian Learning Lab is your destination for millions of carefully curated, easily accessible, customizable, and shareable open educational resources.

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Check out this incredible Live Dive from Gaviota State Park! Chumash friends at Kashtayit State Marine Conservation Area share their knowledge of how the land and sea provide for them in many ways. This hour long video will showcase life under the sea, while also sharing the region's rich cultural life of the Chumash from members of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Culture Department.

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Dive into Chumash Culture for Native American Heritage Month

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Join Chumash culture keepers Tom Lopez and Levi Zavalla of the Santa Ynez Chumash Culture Department as they share their Chumash ways.

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Chumash Life Focus Tour at La Purisima Mission State Historic

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Our video library is under reconstruction! Please check back soon!!